COCONINO COUNTY — In cooperation with the U.S. Forest Service on the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests, at noon on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, Coconino County removed all staged fire restrictions formerly in place in unincorporated communities and recreation areas.
Most Forest Service restrictions and related forest closures on the Coconino and Kaibab National Forests, as well as City of Flagstaff restrictions, will expire at that time as well. Forest closures in and near the Pipeline and Haywire Fire zones will remain in place. (https://www.fs.usda.gov/detailfull/coconino/landmanagement/?cid=stelprdb5331631&width=full)
Coconino County uses fire restrictions to help prevent unwanted, human-caused fires. Implementation of fire restrictions occurs based on a combination of factors that are carefully measured. Criteria used to determine when to implement restrictions includes things such as current and predicted weather, fuel moisture, fire activity levels, and available firefighting resources.
“The monsoon flow is now in place and should continue to provide moisture and elevated levels of relative humidity,” said County Emergency Manager Wes Dison. “Based on the information from our partners current conditions warrant removal of fire restrictions. We also do not have any significant competition for fire-fighting resources around the state right now. We will continue to monitor conditions and encourage residents and visitors to remain cautious.”
Coconino County continuously evaluates conditions and coordinates with partners when implementing fire restrictions. Although conditions now warrant a removal of restrictions, the county will continue to evaluate conditions and coordinate with partners should conditions warrant reimposing fire restrictions.
Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant since even isolated fires can pose a public safety hazard. As areas of the forests, county, and city parks reopen for recreation, county residents and visitors are encouraged to exercise caution in their activities and when operating outdoor cooking appliances, barbecue grills, and vehicles. For more information on Coconino County fire restrictions, please refer to our website: https://www.coconino.az.gov/2595/Fire-Restriction-Information.